TexMessage: NRA endorsement may cost candidates votes, poll finds

TexMessage

Wednesday, February 6

Good morning, TexMessagers! Would a NRA endorsement influence your vote?

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The NRA has always been a boisterous group, but in light of the recent gun control debate, their vigilant defense of the Second Amendment may be doing its cause more harm than good.

According to a poll done by Democratic pollster Public Policy Polling, 39 percent of Americans say they are less likely to vote for a candidate who is endorsed by the NRA. Among independent voters, 41 percent say that they would be deterred from voting for an NRA supported candidate.

On the flip side, 26 percent say an NRA endorsement would increase their likelihood to vote for a candidate, and 32 percent say it would have no effect.

According to VoteSmart.org, the NRA endorsed a large number of Texas Republicans, including Sen. Ted Cruz, Rep. Louie Gohmert, and Rep. Ted Poe. But the only NRA-endorsed Republican to lose in November was then-Rep. Francisco “Quico” Canseco of San Antonio, who was defeated by Democrat Pete Gallego of Alpine.